Old Sultan 1900

Arthur Rackham created this pen and ink drawing titled ‘Old Sultan,’ circa 1900. Rackham was a leading figure during the Golden Age of British book illustration, a time when advancements in printing technology made detailed, color illustrations widely accessible. Notice how Rackham employs delicate, expressive lines to depict an aging dog resting outside a doorway. The dog's weary eyes and drooping posture evoke a profound sense of melancholy. In the original Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Sultan, a loyal dog, becomes old and loses his teeth, leading his master to deem him useless. The story follows the animal's attempts to prove himself worthy. This illustration encapsulates themes of aging, loyalty, and the often-tenuous bond between humans and animals. Rackham's poignant portrayal invites us to reflect on the value we place on those who have served us faithfully, and the emotional weight of being seen as disposable.